(CBS4) – Health experts say wearing a mask provides protection against COVID-19, both for the person wearing the mask and those around them. Now we hear that wearing two masks may provide even more protection.
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CBS4 Medical Editor Dr. Dave Hnida spoke about those reports in an interview on CBSN Denver.
“What we’re saying specifically is that two masks can actually equal the protection you would get from N-95 masks, which is considered the best mask out there, other than a complete respirator-like unit,” said Hnida.
He said that wearing a surgical mask with a cloth mask over it gives an extra layer of protection.
“The reason is that you end up with more filtering of virus particles, it becomes more of an obstacle course for the viral particle to make its way from the air to your nose and throat and then to your lungs.”
But three masks may be going too far as it could interfere with the ability to breathe.
He pointed out that President-elect Joe Biden has been “double masking” Joe Biden for months, as have coaches at NFL football games.
“Even in my own family, when we have contact with the outside world – however limited that may be – we double mask. So the question is, “Is it effective?” The answer is ‘Yes’ and it is something you may want to consider. “
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